Sudan

Last night, Pastor Tut Kon spoke of the work being done in Sudan.  Working with the Indigenous Church, Greater Reach Inc has provided help to train House Church leaders in Darfur and distributed Bibles.   Schools have been started and work has been done to start local Christian radio and to get the truth out through "orality" - word-of-mouth methods (for illiteracy is an issue, with the wars, devastation, and poverty).  

Particularly in South Sudan, where a new country has been formed on July 9, 2011 separate from Islamic North Sudan; the church has been asked by the government to assist in the process of Nation Building.   What an opportunity!  It was encouraging to hear of how God is at work already; and may He continue to bless the ministries through the partnership of our church and the local church there.

Pastor Tut Kon made a statement that when he suffered persecution, that's when he knew that he was called to serve there.   Amazing!

Prayer needs are being tracked at www.sudanprayernetwork.org

Pricked by the Thorn again

Pricked by the THORN again - how long will this thorn continually cause me pain?

The beginning of this year, I had wondered whether I had been accidentally nicked by cupid's arrow; and now it's finally clear to me that I was never the intended target.  One of the most important characteristics to me is One who LOVES GOD; but for this person, "godly" would not be the first adjective I'd think of to describe him - "nice" or "talented" maybe, but not "godly".    That alone should've driven it home; but, it took a couple of stabs of feelings of rejection before I acknowledged it.

Yesterday, I once again firmly placed my thorn on the alter; and prayed for God's healing where the thorn has pierced.   And, I had to smile, for I could see that He was already at work.   He brought someone whom I greatly admire and respect to tell me that I am one of his favorite people in this world.   Knowing all the amazing people that he knows, that is quite a touching and encouraging statement that I know is from God.   God loves me and cares for me, and I am grateful.

More Dark Knight

Back in Dec 2008, I had blogged about a discussion event we had at my church about the Dark Knight as part of a Cinematics program (Dark Knight blog).    At that time, the speaker presented his perspective and showed clips from the movie.

I just finished watching the movie and have some additional comments and thoughts.  The movie makes some very strong philosophical statements from a very dark worldview perspective.  The Joker said that he wanted to turn a White Knight into a Dark Knight, to win the battle for the soul and conscience of Gotham City.  The Harvey Dent character, who is the person the Joker "turned" (physically illustrated by one side of his face "normal" and the other side burned almost to the skeleton), said "The only morality in a cruel world is chance" (which he played out by flipping a coin to determine whether he was going to kill someone).    This is the naturalistic evolution worldview - that life came to be by chance; and just evolved over time.   In this point of view, there really is no basis for morality; whereas, in the Christian Worldview, morality is defined by God's absolute standards for ethics.

While the outcome of the incident with the ferry boats showed the positive decision for good (based on the absolute standard of "Thou shalt not kill"); yet, each boat went through a process representative of existing methods for determining "morality" in a world that has rejected absolute moral standards:  social morality (deciding what is right based on the majority vote) and might-makes-right morality (those with the power making the decision). 

Even Batman, in the movie, made a philosophical statement that sounds "good" but is really a LIE.   He said "Sometimes truth isn't good enough.  Sometimes people deserve more."  Yes, we have all been guilty of "white lies" in the name of protecting someone from the truth; and in the movie, it made a case for suppressing the truth so the people would not lose hope.  BUT, that is a very dangerous point of view, and a lie is a lie is a lie.    I do believe that truth and honesty is the best policy; and it is very clear in Scripture how essential TRUTH is.   In fact, as the Truth Project clearly illustrates, the age-old cosmic battle is the one between the TRUTH of God versus the LIES of this world.

Acts 27-28 - Paul at Sea

In Acts 27, the journey that Paul has long been awaiting is finally here - he on his way to Rome.  While God has told him and reassured him that he was to stand trial before Caesar; yet, this journey was still filled with difficulties, storms, winds, and dangers.  Paul even recognized that he would have to wait even more, when winter approached and they could no longer sail in the open seas.

This passage illustrates God sovereignty, His Timing, and His Work.   God would bring Paul to Rome in His Time; but, meanwhile, He provided friends to accompany Paul (Luke and Aristarchus), used the kindness of Julius the Roman Centurion, and appeared to Paul in a vision to encourage.  Then, when those on the ship "gave up all hope of being saved", Paul used the opportunity to encourage and to share his faith in God.

Paul served as an example for survival, when he took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and ate it.   And, just as God had said, their ship ran aground and was wrecked; but, "everyone reached land safely."  Attitude and perspective makes a difference when we are facing difficulties; for, Paul went through the exact same circumstances as the rest of the ship; but, he was the one who kept his eyes on God and His promises.

 On Malta, the islanders were amazed when they saw that Paul suffered no ill effects from an encounter with a viper.  Then when he healed the Roman official's father, others who were diseased would come for healing.   When departing, they were treated with honor and provided with supplies.   Today, Malta is listed with a population of close to 350,000 with about 99% Christians (mostly Catholic) who celebrate every year Paul's shipwreck on the island.

This passage is a reminder that even when we are on God's Path, we may still encounter difficulties, storms, and even shipwreck.  We just need to trust in His promises and His deliverance; and look for opportunities to be used by Him no matter our circumstances.

This passage also gives some characteristics of a leader as exemplified by the apostle Paul, who from the position of lowly prisoner rose to be the leader who through God's help brought all the ships passengers to safety on land:

• Trustworthy
• Assesses Situation, Takes Initiative, and Makes Wise Decisions
• Speaks with Authority
• Encourages and Cares for those being led
• Leads by Example

L.E.A.D

Leading up to our church 10th anniversary; my pastor started the series on our church mission (L.E.A.D.):
Love God, Equip Believers, Answer God's Call, Declare the Good News

He started with the "Love God", which is the first priority for that is the greatest commandment.  We love God by putting Him first, reverencing Him, personally responding through pursuing, trusting, and obeying, and being motivated by our devotion to Him. We grow in our love by Knowing, Walking, and Working with God.  And, our love for Him is evidenced in our lives through transformation, worship, service, and love for others.

For "Equip Believers", we heard from both the Assistant Pastor (Sat night service) and our main Pastor (Sunday morning service) that the "key to spiritual survival in life is to be properly equipped" - who has "packed our parachute"?  God has given us three basic equipping tools:  1) The Bible, 2) Prayer, and 3) Trials  (The assistant pastor said the word for "perseverance" in James 1:2-4 actually means "hunker down"; which means to stick with it - one great quote from the sermon was along the lines that we often expend our energies trying to get out of a trial when we should be looking for opportunities to be used by God through the trial).  When we are equipped, from Ephesians 4:14, we can see that we will grow, have stability, be discerning, and have a defense.

To "Answer God's Call", we are to 1) seize opportunities to serve, 2) serve in a ministry God tailor-made for us using our gifts (we are his workmanship or "poema" - work or art, song, or poem), 3) serve with humility, and 4) be motivated by love.  We are not saved BY works; but, we are saved TO work.   Greatness, as described by Jesus, is to be a servant and to serve.

The personal profile of the Christian who "Declares the Good News" is one who has 1) FAITH (calm assurance that God is in charge and in control of the outcome), 2) HOPE (a forward look that sees God bringing things to a beautiful ending), and 3) LOVE (pure motivation for witness).   Matthew 28:18-20 is our great commission to "go and make disciples".

Women's Night Out

I had a chance to go to the FISH Women's Night Out event tonight, featuring Rebecca St James.   Rebecca spoke about her stand for purity and the struggles and pain she went through in Waiting.   She is now married; and it is encouraging to hear her story.

There were a couple of things that stood out this evening:

• In one of her songs in which she had written about dealing with singleness, I was reminded of a verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11a "He has made everything beautiful in its time."     This is actually sort of the concluding statement in that well known passage on there being a time for everything and a season for every activity.  This can be another verse to encourage waiting on God for His Timing.
• Rebecca's brothers also sang, and they are now the group "For King and Country".    This was a reminder to me that we ARE children of the KING; and that we live for HIM and for HIS people.   But, it is also a reminder that as children of the KING, that means we are princes and princesses.  How incredible that He has bestowed upon us the privilege of being part of HIS royal family.  Though I do not deserve it, nor do I feel like a princess; yet, He has adopted me into HIS family and made me joint heirs with Christ.   Amazing!

The Island

I finished reading "the Island" this week, which was a book I received as a gift on my Birthday (though I was there when it was bought in the bookstore at Agios Nikolaos).   It was an interesting read; but it was filled with heartache - the difficulties faced particularly by those who were caring and hard-working, the troubles caused by the selfish, etc.

To me, what I liked most, was that it was a reminder of my trip to Greece, and specifically to Crete.   I could picture some of the places the book would describe; and remembered trying to learn some of the Greek words mentioned, like 'Kalimera.'    Overall, it was fun to kind of "re-live" being in Greece; and at the same time learn something about the history.

Paul Before Agrippa (Acts 25-26)

Just when Paul thought his wait was over and that he was to be sent to Rome to be heard by Caesar; he was made to wait some more and even have a hearing before King Herod Agrippa II, because Festus wanted Agrippa's help in writing the charges to be sent to Rome since Herod was considered by the Romans to be an authority on the Jewish religion.   So, Paul just utilized this as yet another opportunity to defend the faith, and thus gave his fifth of six defenses.   This also fulfilled his calling to "proclaim [Christ's] name to ...kings" as foretold at his conversion in Acts 9:15.

In his defense, similar to the one to the Jewish crowd at the temple, Paul established common ground and identified with Herod on Jewish customs, beliefs, background, and persecution of saints formerly.   He also focused on the hope in the RESURRECTION as the reason for why he was really on trial; for, as indicated by Festus, there was no evidence to support any of the other charges against him related to Roman law.  Paul then continued by recounting his conversion experience and his calling; and detailed what salvation involves:  opening of eyes, turning from darkness to light and from power of Satan to God, receiving forgiveness of sin and inheritance, and sanctification by faith.

When accused by Festus of going insane, he said that the gospel message is TRUE (consistent with reality) and REASONABLE (able to be tested and substantiated with evidence).    He even challenged Agrippa to respond by acknowledging that Christ has fulfilled Scriptural prophecies of the Messiah and that HIS death and resurrection were "not done in a corner" (i.e. known historical events).   Agrippa, however, turned from the opportunity to become a Christian; despite Paul's display of his heart and compassion for all those who were listening.  Not wanting to hear any more Herod rose and left; though, admitted to Festus that Paul was innocent and hasn't done "anything that deserves death or imprisonment".

Sometimes I feel like a permanent resident in God's waiting room.   Like Paul, when there are times I had hope that the wait might finally come to an end; I find that it's not to be, and that I still have to wait longer.  Yet, this passage clearly showed me, that I need to look for opportunities that God can use me while I am waiting - and that there is a purpose and reason for the waiting.   May I be patient, and more than that, may I be a useful vessel for HIM and fulfill His Plans in my life.

Heaven is for Real

"Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo.  This was a very moving and interesting read written by a pastor, the father his young son's (Colton's) visit to heaven when he was close to death in the hospital.  There was even some humor sprinkled into this serious story, like when Colton's sister Cassie suggested the title of the book be "He's Back, but He's No Angel."

A couple things that stood out for me are:

• God answers prayers - like when Colton said he was yelling for his dad in the hospital because Jesus had told him that he needed to come back from heaven to earth because He was answering Todd's prayers, even when he was crying out to God and frustrated with all that God was "putting him through".   Todd said he learned that we can be real with God and that we are heard.
• We should remember to give to those in need- the church came alongside their pastor and started sending much-needed gifts which helped cover the bills

And, it was also neat to hear the story of Akiane, a little girl who also saw Jesus; and her "Prince of Peace:   The Resurrection" painting.

I know Heaven is for real; and my faith in Christ is really real.    It's neat when I doencounter additional confirmation and verification of what I believe.

My God, My God...Why Have You Forsaken Me?

"My God, My God.... Why Have You Forsaken Me?" 

My Pastor pointed out that this may have been the most significant question ever asked. In his "When God Asks the Questions" series, he's been going thru the Bible and preaching on passages where Jesus asked a question; for a good question will unlock the doors of understanding.

This particular question stands alone on it's eternal significance and personal impact on the world.    It was not a question that Jesus asked a human being; but, He asked it of God the Father.   Jesus asked the question using Aramaic, praying from his "heart language" - his familiar vernacular.  He actually didn't just ask it; He screamed it; for the greatest pain He suffered was not the scourging, nor the taunts, nor the crucifixion, but was the alienation from the Father.  Jesus became a curse for us; for the wages of sin is death.    Jesus didn't just die a martyr's death; nor did He just do it as an example.  He suffered God's wrath for all sin for all time for all mankind.  What amazing LOVE and GRACE!

What's more, this question was prophesized in Psalm 22 about 1000 years earlier; before even the use of crucifixion.  Jesus' fulfillment of prophesy confirmed that He is the Messiah; the promised Deliverer.   The torn curtain gives us direct access to God; whereas, it used to separate the Holy of Holies into which the high priest entered only once a year on Yom Kippur.

What Christ did on the cross means the following for us as believers:

• We are loved with the infinite love of God - His death on the cross is evidence of that great love
• Christ paid the penalty for our sins in full - self-loathing is a lie b/c it blocks us from seeing the beautiful and precious truth that we are loved
• We are called to suffer for Christ's sake - In the same way the Father delivered the Son; He will deliver us
• We are guaranteed a place in heaven - that's where HOME is (Christ not only prepared the WAY but also the place)

Acts 25:1-12 Paul On Trial Before Festus

Festus replaces Felix as governor, and Paul is once again called to stand trial.   Things have not changed in the two years that Paul was under guard in Caesarea.   The Jews still wanted to ambush and kill Paul.   And, when they brought their accusations, they still had no evidence.  Paul continued to maintain his innocence; and then exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar.   Festus agreed; and so, Paul's waiting was finally over.  He was now being sent to Rome, just as God had said two years ago.

This passage illustrates some things about sitting in God's "Waiting Room".    I can somewhat imagine how I would've felt in Paul's situation.... being kept under guard for two whole years, even though he did nothing wrong.  He knew God said he would be a witness in Rome; but, here he was stuck in Caesarea.    Yet, he seemed to make the most of his situation, still telling the gospel message to Felix and Drusilla.   Even when called to stand trial once again, this time before Festus, he did not reveal any frustration with once again being asked to go back to Jerusalem to be tried.  Instead, he used the opportunity to appeal to Caesar and kept sight on God's Plan to send him to Rome.  This shows me that God has His Timing; and that we just need to keep focused on His Calling and Plan; and be ready for any opportunities that arise.

What Does True Worship Look Like?

"What Does True Worship Look Like?" 
This question was answered by Jesus in John 4:24 "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

To worship God in Spirit (HOW), is to connect with God through activating our spirits or hearts to experience God.   And to worship in truth (WHO), is to worship HIM based on the truth of Scripture; for we cannot put our life upon just an experience, it must be tied to truth.

One thing that my pastor said that really stood out was that, worship will always take us to a better place than we are at; where we find the thirsting of our souls met.   We cannot enter into true worship without being affected.

Sunday, my church also made available it's "Discover Worship @Cornerstone" CD - a collection of the samples of the worship music at Cornerstone:  choir, piano, children's choir, youth band, worship team, etc.    My favorite track on the CD is the Piano Hymn Medley.

After church, I just felt a need to spend time with the Lord.   In keeping with what the Assistant Pastor talked about - remembering that we are "so blessed"; I started to just play and sing songs that adored God and focused on how much He loves me and has blessed me.   Then, as I sang songs that reflected my mood, I was so grateful for the hymn writers who put their own heartache and pains into lyrics and music that were able to express how I felt better than I ever could myself.